Unit 4 · Lesson 1
Oral Structure & Preparation
The Individual Oral is 25% of your grade. Understanding exactly what happens, in what order, and what examiners are marking changes everything.
Key idea
The oral has two phases: your presentation (describe + analyse the image), then discussion with the examiner. Don't script the second phase: it needs to feel natural.
IA structure
Prep: 15 minutes (receive image)
Part 1: Describe + analyse (3–4 min)
Part 2: Discussion with examiner (6–9 min)
Total: 12–15 minutes
Key vocabulary
Click a card to flip it. Know the oral structure and terminology.
Oral structure & preparation: key terms
1 / 15
French
la préparation (15 min)
tap to flip
English
15-minute preparation period
You receive the image and have 15 minutes before the oral begins. Use all of it: identify theme, plan description, note vocabulary.
0 of 15 learned
What the examiner is looking for — criterion by criterion
Each criterion targets a different dimension of your performance. Understand what gets marks.
Criterion A · Language
10 pts- Vocabulary range and precision
- Grammatical accuracy
- Pronunciation and intonation
- Show varied tenses and structures
Criterion B · Message
10 pts- Describe the image clearly
- Name the IB theme explicitly
- Identify the global issue
- Develop ideas with evidence
Criterion C · Interaction
10 pts- Respond spontaneously
- Develop answers beyond 'oui/non'
- Ask for clarification when needed
- Engage naturally with examiner
Match the pairs
Match each oral term to its English meaning.
Oral vocabulary
0 / 6 matched
Click a French word, then click its English match.
Quick quiz
Test your knowledge of the oral format and marking.
Oral structure quiz
1 / 8
How long is the preparation period before the Individual Oral begins?
Oral structure locked in.
Next: the language you need to describe images effectively.